CONCACAF Gold Cup

The USA take on Curacao in the quarter-finals of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The hosts topped Group D with a maximum nine points, while their opponents finished second in Group C with four.

In the semi-finals, the winner of this clash will face either Jamaica or Panama, who face off at the same stadium earlier in the day.

                         

Date: Sunday, June 30

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. BST Monday)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (USA), FreeSports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (USA), Premier Player (UK)

Odds: USA 1-7, Draw 36-5, Curacao 28-1

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker

                   

Team USA lost both of their warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament against Jamaica and Venezuela, but a solid showing in the group stage saw them return three wins and 11 unanswered goals.

After securing a quarter-final berth with a 4-0 win over Guyana and a 6-0 thrashing of Trinidad and Tobago, manager Gregg Berhalter named a much-changed side for the final clash with Panama, which determined who topped the group.

Jozy Altidore made the difference in a hard-fought 1-0 win:

Highlights of the Game presented by Tequila Camarena@USMNT finishes first place in Group D with a 1-0 win over @fepafut!#PANvUSA #ThisIsOurs #EstoEsNuestro pic.twitter.com/Qv9GLWTkO9

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 27, 2019

Aside from the Toronto striker, ESPN's Jeff Carlisle wasn't overly impressed with the U.S. against Panama, but he nevertheless noted that the match went to plan for Berhalter:

FT: The #usmnt prevails 1-0 on Altidore's bicycle kick goal. Can't see anyone else who did enough to crack the starting lineup in the knockout rounds. But Berhalter banked on the fact that he could rest many of his key players and still win the group, and that plan paid off.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 27, 2019

Berhalter said he isn't going to let complacency sink in against Curacao, per Carlisle:

"This is a team we can't take lightly; I know that for sure. We're going to go in fully prepared, we were watching them today before the game, this afternoon with the coaches, and they have talent, they can score goals. ... We know it's going to be a difficult game and we have our sights set on advancing, so we're really going to prepare the best we can."

Curacao began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to El Salvador, but they made it to the group stage on goal difference after a 1-0 win over Honduras and a 1-1 draw with Jamaica, which was sealed with a superb strike:

🇨🇼 CURAÇAO HAS QUALIFIED TO THE GOLD CUP QUARTER FINALS!!! #GoldCup2019 #ThisIsOurs @CuracaoFutbol pic.twitter.com/Iy7x1K7tYU

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 26, 2019

It seems unlikely they'll cause the United States too many problems after finding the net just twice in the group stage, though they also conceded just two—the hosts are the only quarter-final side with a better defensive record.

Gyasi Zardes has three goals for the U.S., while three players—Tyler Boyd, Aaron Long and Paul Arriola—have netted twice, while Altidore is off the mark, too.

The USA should be able to progress, but it won't be straightforward.

The quarter-finals for the 2019 Gold Cup are set, with eight teams still in the running to be crowned this year's CONCACAF champions.

Mexico and Costa Rica will meet in the marquee clash of the round on Saturday, while the United States will try to stay perfect on Sunday against surprise package Curacao.

Here is a look at the bracket:

Road to @GoldCup glory 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IJOWeSjtkc

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 27, 2019

Gold Cup Schedule, TV Guide

Saturday, June 29

7 p.m. ET/midnight BST (Sunday): Haiti vs. Canada

10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST (Sunday): Mexico vs. Costa Rica

Sunday, June 30

5:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. BST: Jamaica vs. Panama

8:30 p.m. ET/1:30 a.m. BST (Monday): USA vs. Curacao

All matches will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (U.S.) and Freesports TV (UK).

      

Odds (per Skybet.com)

Canada 7-10

Draw 13-5

Haiti 4-1

   

Costa Rica 15-2

Draw 10-3

Mexico 2-5

   

Panama 9-5

Draw 19-10

Jamaica 7-4

   

Curacao 14-1

Draw 11-2

USA 1-5

   

Curacao have been the Cinderella story of this year's Gold Cup, advancing to the knockout stages for the first time since 1973, when the nation was previously known as Netherlands Antilles.

The football minnows finished ahead of both Honduras and El Salvador in the group stages despite losing their opening match to the latter side.

A 1-0 win over Honduras in their second match was key, and Jurien Gaari fired his team into the knockout stages with a spectacular late equaliser against Jamaica:

Their reward is a date with the United States, who won all three of their group-stage matches without conceding a goal.

The Stars and Stripes were expected to cruise to easy wins over Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, and they scored 10 goals across those two matches. Panama were their first real test, but neither side played their best, having already secured passage to the next round.

Jozy Altidore scored the only goal in a 1-0 win:

Panama will still like their quarter-final chances against Jamaica, who won just one match in the group stages.

Costa Rica gave away a lead in their final group-stage match against Haiti, losing 2-1 to set up a date with Mexico. El Tri scored 13 goals in the group stages and appear the team to beat in the tournament, but they would undoubtedly have preferred to avoid Los Ticos this early in the bracket.

Coach Gustavo Matosas has promised to "take the game" to the Mexicans, per sports writer Tom Marshall:

Costa Rica coach Gustavo Matosas confident his side can go toe-to-toe with Mexico in Houston on Saturday in the Gold Cup quarterfinal.

“I’ll analyze the set-up for the game versus Mexico. We’ll surely try to take the game to them.”

“I like ‘Tata’ Martino’s team.” #eltrieng pic.twitter.com/ddRNYimCjG

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) June 27, 2019

Group B winners Haiti will face Canada in the first of the quarter-finals. Canada haven't advanced past this stage since 2007.

Predictions: Haiti, Mexico, Panama and USA advance.

Gold Cup favourites Mexico will take on Costa Rica in the quarter-finals on Saturday in what promises to be an intriguing clash.

El Tri have won all three of their matches so far, but performances have been mixed against Canada and Martinique. Manager Gerardo Martino will want to see more from his players in the knockout stages as Mexico go in search of their eighth Gold Cup win overall.

Costa Rica are still on the hunt for their first title in this tournament. They didn't help their chances in their previous match because a 2-1 loss to Haiti pitted them against El Tri in the knockout stages. As of yet, Los Ticos have not convinced at the 2019 edition.

As two of the biggest names in CONCACAF, this match stands out as the biggest quarter-final clash. Here are the latest odds for the fixture at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, as well as the key viewing details.

       

Odds

Mexico win (10/21)

Draw (10/3)

Costa Rica win (15/2)

Odds courtesy of OddsChecker

      

Date: Saturday, June 28

Time: 10 p.m. (ET), 3 a.m. (BST, Sunday)

TV Info: Free Sports TV (UK), FOX Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (U.S.)

      

Preview

Despite Mexico's perfect record so far, sides hoping to trip them up in the knockout stages of the competition will have picked up on some vulnerabilities.

Those were perhaps most evident in their final group match, a 3-2 win over Martinique. El Tri were complacent in possession at times and allowed their opponents a route back into the game on a couple of occasions.

The manager didn't pull any punches in his assessment of the game:

Tata Martino: Playing against better teams in the competition we'd be out playing like that. #eltrieng

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) June 24, 2019

Ryan Tolmich of Goal thinks that being involved in tough matches will only help Mexico later in the competition:

On Goal, a look at a game that Mexico had to grind out and brief moment of adversity that should help prepare them for what lies ahead #ElTriEng https://t.co/LMUiFrAZR1

— Ryan Tolmich (@RyanTolmich) June 24, 2019

Although Mexico are without a number of key attackers at this Gold Cup, they still have enough potency in the final third to get them out of trouble when the defence and midfield are not performing well.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez offers an excellent focal point, and he's been on target three times in the opening three games. Their star man so far has been Uriel Antuna, though.

The Los Angeles Galaxy playmaker, who is on loan from Manchester City, has showcased terrific goalscoring instincts, with a hat-trick in the 7-0 win over Cuba followed by the opener against Martinique.

Football writer Steve Davis said Antuna's ascension to the first team is indicative of the depth available to El Tri:

The #USA men's talent pool looks SO different right now from #MEX. @USMNT looks thin in way too many places. Meanwhile El Tri is missing so many key pieces and still has stockpiles of talent. Like fill-in player Uriel Antuna...who has a hat trick tonight.#MEXvCUB #GoldCup2019

— Steve Davis (@SteveDavis90) June 16, 2019

As for Costa Rica, they need to make big improvements if they're to contain Mexico, and confidence will be low after their collapse against Haiti. While they were able to control possession for long spells of that encounter, their approach play lacked the incision required to punish the best defences in the competition.

If they are going to spring a shock, Los Ticos will need something special from national team veterans like Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell, who can be match-winners on their day. Mexico should be good enough to contain their influence, though, and make it into yet another Gold Cup semi-final.

Prediction: Mexico 3-1 Costa Rica

Haiti and Canada will face off in the first of the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, when they each seek to continue their impressive runs at the competition.

Haiti have been the surprise package of the tournament after winning all three of their games in Group B. The 2-1 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday showed they're capable of mixing it with some of the best sides in the confederation.

Canada were only beaten by Mexico in their group matches, and they hammered Martinique and Cuba 4-0 and 7-0, respectively, either side of that loss. In Jonathan David, Junior Hoilett and Alphonso Davies, they have plenty of firepower in attack.

      

Odds

Haiti win (3-1)

Draw (23-10)

Canada win (11-10)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.

     

Date: Saturday, June 28

Time: Midnight (BST), 7 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: Free Sports TV (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (U.S.)

      

Preview

Although Haiti had effectively secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition before they squared off against Costa Rica, the win over Los Ticos would have enhanced their reputation among many.

Having fallen behind early on, Duckens Nazon's penalty moved them level, before Djimy Alexis scored in the 81st minute to give them a memorable win. It was the first time the team have finished top of a Gold Cup group.

Here are the highlights from what was a thrilling encounter at the Red Bull Arena:

Commentator Chris Wittyngham applauded what was one of the best games of the 2019 Gold Cup:

Costa Rica-Haití has been a stunningly good game of football. Great atmosphere at the stadium. Haitians playing really well

— Chris Wittyngham (@ChrisWittyngham) June 25, 2019

Despite their perfect record in the tournament, Haiti are the underdogs for their showdown against Canada.

The Canucks may have lacked the quality to cope with tournament favourites Mexico in the group stage, but they were able to carve through opposition defences with ease in their other two contests, something Haiti will need to be wary of.

In David, they boast the tournament's top scorer with five goals. The 19-year-old striker has been brilliantly supported by Lucas Cavallini, who has four himself, while Hoilett and Davies have brought a thrust to the team's attacking play.

As noted by Scouted Football, the Gent forward has made an excellent goalscoring start to his international career:

In all honesty, the goals have not come against the best opposition.

He has, however, consistently shown the danger he poses inside the box during each of those matches.

David needs just a single touch and a yard of space to punish his opposition at any moment.

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) June 24, 2019

Bayern Munich star Davies, who is traditionally a winger, has been used at left-back at times in the tournament. However, Joshua Kloke of The Athletic doesn't think it's a position that suits him:

Insert yet another tweet about why Alphonso Davies at left back is not worth a discussion #CanMNT

— Joshua Kloke (@joshuakloke) June 20, 2019

Canada will find Haiti a more challenging opponent than Martinique or Cuba, but they will still most likely have the ball for long periods. Manager John Herdman will then look to the raft of attacking talent available to him to make the difference for the Canucks in the final third.

Following their exceptional group stage and terrific fightback against Costa Rica, the Haitians can go into the quarter-final under no pressure. However, the forwards the Canadians have will give Haiti's strong defence their biggest test of the Gold Cup so far.

Prediction: Haiti 1-2 Canada

The 2019 Gold Cup group stages came to an end on Wednesday night, with all of the sides expected to challenge for the prize making it into the quarter-final bracket. 

The United States and Mexico have traditionally battled for this trophy and are each looking in fine fettle, having won all three of their group games. Meanwhile, Haiti have emerged as a surprise package, topping a Gold Cup group for the first time.

Curacao are the other surprise side in the quarters, as they finished behind Jamaica in Group C. The remaining teams in the bracket are Canada, Costa Rica and Panama.

Here are the group tables and results after all the matches were completed, as well as a look ahead to what to expect in the last eight.

        

Final Group Standings (Points, Goal Difference) and Results

Group A

1. Mexico (9,10)

2. Canada (6,9)

3. Martinique (3,-2)

4. Cuba (0,-17)

     

Canada 4-0 Martinique 

Mexico 7-0 Cuba

Cuba 0-3 Martinique

Mexico 3-1 Canada

Canada 7-0 Cuba

Martinique 2-3 Mexico

     

Group B

1. Haiti (9,4)

2. Costa Rica (6,4)

3. Bermuda (3,0)

4. Nicaragua (0,-8)

    

Haiti 2-1 Bermuda

Costa Rica 4-0 Nicaragua

Nicaragua 0-2 Haiti

Costa Rica 2-1 Bermuda

Bermuda 2-0 Nicaragua

Haiti 2-1 Costa Rica

     

Group C 

1. Jamaica (5,1)

2. Curacao (4,0)

3. El Salvador (4,-3)

4. Honduras (3,2)

  

Curacao 0-1 El Salvador

Jamaica 3-2 Honduras

El Salvador 0-0 Jamaica

Honduras 0-1 Curacao

Jamaica 1-1 Curacao

Honduras 4-0 El Salvador

     

Group D

1. United States (9,11)

2. Panama (6,3)

3. Guyana (1,-6)

4. Trinidad & Tobago (1,-8)

  

Panama 2-0 Trinidad & Tobago 

United States 4-0 Guyana

Guyana 2-4 Panama

United States 6-0 Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago 1-1 Guyana

Panama 0-1 United States

     

Quarter-Final Fixtures (ET)

Saturday, June 29

7 p.m. Haiti vs. Canada

9:30 p.m. Mexico vs. Costa Rica

   

Sunday, June 30

5:30 p.m. Jamaica vs. Panama

8 p.m. United States vs. Curacao

   

With the pre-tournament favourites progressing with minimal fuss, the sides performing above expectations have captured the imagination so far.

It's been a campaign to remember for Haiti, who capped off their group stage with a fantastic comeback win over Costa Rica. After successes over modest opposition in Bermuda and Nicaragua in their first two games, beating Los Ticos suggests they're a team capable of doing some more damage in the tournament.

It will be Canada for them in the quarters, where Haiti will be tasked with containing some of the best young talent at the Gold Cup. Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies has been a threat for the Canucks, but 19-year-old Jonathan David has stood out, netting five times at the tournament so far to see him lead the Golden Boot race:

Alphonso Davies gets the headlines. By my word, Jonathan David is some player. Can’t recall #canMNT ever having a forward like him.

— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) June 23, 2019

The other shock story has been Curacao, who edged into the knockout stages from a tight Group C thanks to a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. 

Their progression couldn't have been much more dramatic, with this stunning stoppage-time equaliser from Jurien Gaari enough to see them into the last eight for the first time ever:

🇨🇼 GOAL CURAÇAO!!! Jurien Gaari in the dying minutes scores this 🚀 !!! Curaçao can still advance to the next round with this result! #JAMvCUW #ThisIsOurs #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/nSrxxe87GA

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 26, 2019

Goal's Jon Arnold paid tribute to the development of the nation in recent years to make it to this point:

Curacao has to be Concacaf's poster child. They make #GoldCup in 2017. Come out, try to play football. Lose every game 2-0, but do so with dignity.
They continue with the project. Win 3 Nations League games. Get their first Gold Cup goal & with it their first win. Now knockouts!

— Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) June 26, 2019

They face a huge task in the quarter-finals against defending champions United States. While the USMNT have shown vulnerabilities over the last 12 months, at the Gold Cup they have been improved, with their 6-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago arguably the best display from any team so far.

In attack, the team has been especially potent:

The USMNT wins Gold Cup Group D, thanks to Jozy Altidore's 42nd career goal for the USA.

The 11 goals scored by Team USA in group play match their most in a single Gold Cup group stage (also had 11 in 2013).

The US will face Cinderella story Curaçao in the quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/C85IkwlBz7

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 27, 2019

Meanwhile, Mexico may be without a number of key creators and goalscorers at the Gold Cup, yet they've been able to navigate through Group A with ease. They'll be the big favourites up against Costa Rica, who have yet to find their groove.

The remaining quarter-final sees Jamaica face Panama, with the former seeking to go one better than their runners-up finish in the Gold Cup two years ago.

Group D concluded its play at the 2019 Gold Cup on Wednesday with two fixtures in Kansas City, Kansas.

The United States and Panama squared off to decide the group's winner, while Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago played to avoid finishing last in the group.

Here is a look at how everything played out, along with the schedule for the quarterfinals.

     

Wednesday Results

Guyana 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1

United States 1, Panama 0

     

Group D Results

1. United States: 3-0-0, 9 points, +11 GD

2. Panama: 2-0-1, 6 points, +3 GD

3. Guyana: 0-1-2, 1 point, -6 GD

4. Trinidad and Tobago: 0-1-2, 1 point, -8 GD

     

Quarterfinals Matchups

Haiti vs. Canada, Saturday at 7 p.m. ET

Mexico vs. Costa Rica, Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET

Jamaica vs. Panama, Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET

United States vs. Curacao, Sunday at 8 p.m. ET

     

Wednesday Results

Guyana 1, Trinidad and Tobago 1

Neil Danns nearly got Guyana its lone victory in Group D play, but Trinidad and Tobago got a late goal from Kevin Molino in the 80th minute to earn a 1-1 draw during its final game of the Gold Cup.

Both teams finished with a 0-1-2 record. Guyana will officially finish in third place due to having a better goal differential.

While it took Trinidad and Tobago an extended period to get on the board, it dominated for most of the match. The team held possession for 61 percent of the time, outshot Trinidad 14-7 and had three different corner kicks that gave it opportunities.

However, Trinidad and Tobago had four offsides and squandered several opportunities to form an attack.

Guyana, by contrast, scored on its only shot on goal.

It was a disappointing result for both teams, which entered the Gold Cup hoping to play spoiler against the U.S. and Panama only to be blown out.

     

United States 1, Panama 0

With their quarterfinals appearances sealed, the United States and Panama played most of Wednesday night conservatively. The aggressive attacks were few and far between, giving way to a mostly neutral affair that was only broken up by Jozy Altidore.

The U.S. star sent a shot to the back of the net in the 66th minute, giving the team a 1-0 victory over Panama to capture Group D.

The United States will move on to play Curacao in the quarterfinals, while Panama will face off against Jamaica.

The U.S. held possession for 62 percent of the match with a mostly methodical approach. The team shot only seven times, two of which went on goal. Panama matched the United States' shot total in just 38 percent possession time.

The U.S. also squandered multiple opportunities, particularly with its four corner kicks. However, Altidore made good on his third strong attempt at a goal and brought the U.S. a victory to continue its strong Gold Cup run.

The United States men's national soccer team defeated Panama 1-0 in a de facto Group D title game in the 2019 Gold Cup at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on Wednesday.

After each squad won its first two matches of the tournament, this clash would determine the final standings for Group D, with positioning in the quarterfinals at stake. Thanks to a strong edge in goal differential, Team USA entered play with the ability to wrap up first place with a draw or a victory.

Below is a look at the latest tournament action.

     

Group D Standings

United States 3-0-0, 9 pts, +11 goal differential

Panama 2-0-1, 6 pts, +3 goal differential

Guyana 0-1-2, 1 pt, -6 goal differential

Trinidad and Tobago 0-1-2, 1 pt, -8 goal differential

     

With Group D on the line, neither team could come up with many quality looks early on in what turned out to be a fairly uneventful first half. But when tested, both the United States' Sean Johnson and Panama's Jose Calderon proved to be up to the task.

It wasn't until the 21st minute that either team had much of a scoring opportunity. While Jozy Altidore managed a clean look, he was unable to beat Calderon:

The USMNT's best chance came from Jozy Altidore in the 21st minute but things remains 0-0 at the half. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/OnMdyqivtG

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2019

That would prove to be the closest either team would come to scoring in the first half, though there were a few other looks as well.

Just like in the first half, the second half began in quiet fashion. Looking to spark his team, United States coach Gregg Berhalter inserted Christian Pulisic in the 65th minute...and the offense instantly came to life.

On the ensuing corner kick, Altidore got USMNT on the board with a bicycle kick:

JOZY ALTIDORE WITH THE BICYCLE KICK! 🔥

He scores his 42nd international goal and puts the USMNT out in front 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CVuFexT8Wj

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2019

Jozy Altidore scores and Kansas City goes wild. pic.twitter.com/3KO2IaMQFv

— TOM MARTIN (@TwoCirclesTom) June 27, 2019

The goal was the United States' 11th of the tournament, tying the program's Gold Cup record:

The USMNT wins Gold Cup Group D, thanks to Jozy Altidore's 42nd career goal for the USA.

The 11 goals scored by Team USA in group play match their most in a single Gold Cup group stage (also had 11 in 2013).

The US will face Cinderella story Curaçao in the quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/C85IkwlBz7

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 27, 2019

That would prove to be the game's only goal—and it was enough to get the United States the points it needed to wrap up the victory.

On a night where the United States only needed a draw, Berhalter elected not to start Pulisic, Gyasi Zardes or Zack Steffen. While it may not have been the prettiest of victories, the team found a way to get the job done.

Perhaps most importantly, Altidore's standout performance did not go unnoticed:

Gyasi Zardes replaces Jozy Altidore in the 82nd minute. Big goal and strong showing for Altidore, who makes his case to be the starter in the knockout rounds. One of the few real bright spots tonight for the #USMNT

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 27, 2019

Jozy Altidore departs after a good showing and a big goal. No doubt Berhalter will be scratching his head over the next few days with regards to who his starting forward will be in the #GoldCup QF's #USMNT

— Callum Williams (@CalWilliamsComm) June 27, 2019

Having Altidore play at a high level could be the key to Team USA defending its title and winning its third crown in its last four attempts.

     

What's Next?

Both teams are on to the quarterfinals, where they will each be back in action Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Panama will face Jamaica at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the United States will take on Curacao at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The United States and Panama will go head-to-head for supremacy in Group D of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday.

The two sides are level on six points after each picked up wins against Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, who will meet in a game to decide who finishes bottom.

Both matches will take place at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.

                            

Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guyana

Date: Wednesday, June 26

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local, 11:30 p.m. BST)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (USA)

Live Stream: Premier Player (UK), Fox Sports Go (USA)

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Trinidad and Tobago 8-15, Draw 10-3, Guyana 7-1

Prediction: Trinidad and Tobago 1-1 Guyana

                  

Panama vs. USA

Date: Wednesday, June 26

Time: 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local, 2 a.m. BST Thursday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (USA)

Live Stream: Premier Player (UK), Fox Sports Go (USA)

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Panama 36-5, Draw 7-2, USA 5-11

Prediction: Panama 1-2 USA

                       

Wednesday Preview

Courtesy of their superior goal difference, a draw will be enough for the United States men's national team to finish top of Group D.

The Stars and Stripes have netted 10 goals in their opening two matches, following up a 4-0 win against Guyana with a 6-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago:

Four players have found the net more than once, too. Gyasi Zardes has scored three goals, while Tyler Boyd, Paul Arriola and Aaron Long have each bagged two.

Goal's Ives Galarcep hailed Long's impact after his brace in the last match:

Can’t forget about Long. who had the all-around game that provided a reminder of why he is going to be so important to the #USMNT ‘s hopes of winning the Gold Cup.

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) June 23, 2019

Panama have also beaten the same opponents but not quite as comprehensively.

They defeated Trinidad and Tobago 2-0, before running out 4-2 winners against Guyana:

As ESPN's Jeff Carlisle observed, Panama benefited from some good fortune against Guyana in the form of a questionable call from an official:

Guyana keeper Akel Clarke saves penalty from Panama's Eric Davis. AR signals it needs to be retaken b/c Clarke was off his line, though replays showed Clark still had one foot on the line. Davis scores on the retake, 3-1 now to Panama. Note that there is no VAR in #GoldCup2019.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 22, 2019

With qualification for the knockout phase assured, both sides will have an eye on the quarter-finals, so some rotation would come as little surprise.

The USA have a greater variety of goalscoring options than Los Canaleros, and they're more assured at the back, so they should have the edge.

Trinidad and Tobago will face Guyana in their final match earlier in the evening, with both sides hoping to finish the tournament with points on the board.

Despite their 4-2 defeat to Panama, Guyana will be feeling good after Neil Danns dispatched two penalties to get them on the scoresheet at the Gold Cup.

Trinidad and Tobago's 6-0 thrashing at the hands of the USMNT could be demoralising, though. They are still to find the net at this year's tournament, too.

The Soca Warriors are ranked 85 places ahead of Guyana by FIFA, but the latter might be able to sneak a draw and finish above their opponents in the group on goal difference.

The group stage at the 2019 Gold Cup is nearing completion with each team using its third match to either secure a spot in the knockout stage or at least end the tournament on a high note.

Tuesday's action featured the end of Group C competition from Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

Jamaica, El Salvador and Curacao each entered the day with the possibility of winning the group or being eliminated, while Honduras had the chance to play the role of spoiler after a surprising two losses to begin the tournament.

Two more surprising results left Jamaica and Curacao as the two teams left standing in the group.

Check out the latest results and everything you need to know about the CONCACAF championship.

       

Tuesday Schedule/Results

Jamaica 1, Curacao 1

Honduras 4, El Salvador 0

       

Group C Table

1. Jamaica: 1-2-0, 5 pts, +1 GD

2. Curacao: 1-1-1, 4 pts, 0 GD

3. El Salvador: 1-1-1, 4 pts, -2 GD

4. Honduras: 1-0-2, 3 pts, +1 GD

Full tables available at the tournament's official site.

         

Wednesday Schedule

Trinidad and Tobago vs. Guyana at 6:30 p.m. ET

Panama vs. United States at 9 p.m. ET

      

Recap

Jamaica 1, Curacao 1

Jamaica needed only a draw to advance and accomplished that goal, but Curacao was able to get a point as well thanks to an incredible goal in stoppage time.

Down 1-0 and facing elimination, Jurien Gaari hit a screamer from outside the box to tie the match in the 93rd minute:

INCREDIBLE!!! WHAT A GOAL FROM CURACAO! 🇨🇼🇨🇼🇨🇼

Juriën Gaari scores DEEP into stoppage time to keep their knockout stage hopes alive! #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/t4WRYKndjD

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2019

Elson Hooi came within inches of the game-winning goal in the 95th minute, but it faded just wide.

After getting their first win at the Gold Cup last match, Curacao gave itself a chance to advance to the quarterfinals by grabbing a fourth point in the group stage. El Salvador's loss later in the night was enough to push the team through to the next round.

Jamaica had appeared poised to earn a win and three points as time expired, using a defensive approach after gaining an early lead.

In the first half, the Reggae Boyz showcased the difference between holding the ball and doing something useful with it. The team held possession for just 44 percent of the first 45 minutes but outshot Curacao 12-3 in that time.

The opening goal in the 14th minute came as a result of an onslaught of attempts in the early going:

THERE IT IS! 🇯🇲

On their 9th shot in the first 14 minutes of the match Shamar Nicholson puts Jamaica on 🔝 pic.twitter.com/Z0VLOpifFE

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2019

It was Shamar Nicholson who finally got onto the scoresheet for Jamaica after redirecting the shot from Andre Lewis.

Of course, both teams could've done a better job of finishing opportunities:

#GoldCup2019 #ReggaeBoyz 🇯🇲 Jamaica V Curacao...the finishing in this game has been as sharp as a bag of wet mice😊

— Ray Hudson (@RayHudson) June 26, 2019

Curacao was able to put more pressure on in the second half with several close chances at a goal, finally coming through in the closing moments.

The Reggae Boyz will reach the quarterfinals, but they won't know their opponent until after Wednesday's action.

      

Honduras 3, El Salvador 0

Honduras followed up a pair of surprising losses with a dominant win over El Salvador in its final match at the Gold Cup.

El Salvador was the team with something to gain in this match but it was Honduras that was the aggressor for most of the match.

Although the battle remained scoreless in the first half, Los Catrachos had several close chances while allowing very few on their own end.

They were finally able to break through in the 59th minute on a great finish from Jorge Alvarez:

HONDURAS TAKE THE LEAD!

What a strike by Jorge Alvarez 🚀🚀🚀

As it stands Curaçao are through to the knockout stage and El Salvador are eliminated from #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/PqNMU0fGe8

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2019

About six minutes later, Honduras doubled the lead after a defensive mistake in the 65th minute:

HONDURAS AGAIN! 🇭🇳

They score their second goal in six minutes after Castillo capitalizes on a defensive blunder by El Salvador. #GoldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/Tp6DlYWFHc

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2019

Rubilio Castillo scored the goal, but it was Luis Garrido who forced the turnover with his pressure in the attacking zone.

El Salvador still could've advanced with a 2-1 loss, which should have kept the pressure high, but they allowed another easy goal when Bryan Acosta finished one-on-one with the keeper:

ACOSTA MAKES IT THREE 🇭🇳

That pass by Figueroa to set it up 👌👌👌 pic.twitter.com/we0ACPNO1s

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2019

A fourth goal in the 90th minute then sealed the match and El Salvador's fate.

The sloppiness with so much on the line was a major disappointment for the Salvadorans, and it led to an early exit in this tournament.

Both El Salvador and Honduras have been eliminated, one point short of the quarterfinals.

The United States will look to confirm top spot in their 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup group on Wednesday when they meet Panama at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Both sides have already confirmed their spots in the quarter-finals after beating Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in Group D.

Having scored 10 unanswered goals in their opening two matches, the U.S. are top of the pool, so they need only a draw to advance as group winners and secure a potentially more favourable route to the final.

              

Date: Wednesday, June 26 

Time: 8 p.m. local, 9 p.m. ET, 2 a.m. BST (Thursday)

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.), Freesports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Panama 17-2, Draw 10-3, USA 1-2

               

The U.S. went into the Gold Cup on the back of a three-match winless run and a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Venezuela.

They looked to be lacking in ideas and were struggling for goals.

Gregg Berhalter's side have endured no such problems so far at the Gold Cup. They opened the tournament with a 4-0 win over Guyana in which the promising Tyler Boyd netted a double:

Boyd with another to make it 4-0. Crowd know chanting "Tyler Boyd! Tyler Boyd!" Certainly a night to remember for the #usmnt newcomer.

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) June 19, 2019

They followed up with a 6-0 win over Trinidad.

Panama have been less prolific, beating Trinidad 2-0 before a 4-2 victory over Guyana.

They do not boast the squad depth of the U.S. and sit 45 places below the No. 30-ranked Stars and Stripes in the world rankings.

Los Canaleros are understandably underdogs to beat the U.S., but they will take confidence from their campaign so far at the 2019 Gold Cup.

Having gone into the tournament without a win in 14, two victories on the bounce will have boosted morale.

As will the fact that they take on the U.S. knowing even a heavy loss cannot prevent them from taking their spot in the last eight.

That should give Panama the freedom to produce an effective attacking performance, and the USA's defence may find themselves troubled on Wednesday.